You may find that your tastes and preferences will change over time. Early on, for me, it was freehands and Danish shapes, deeply bent and the more "unique" the better. I've only three or four such pipes left, and those stayed largely for sentimental reasons and are little used these days. My racks now hold mostly traditional shapes, typically with straight or slightly bent shanks, and just a few bents - a fine billiard is hard to improve on IMHO.

That said, it looks like you've done very well here; a good start! As has been said, take your time, don't force it, and enjoy the journey.

Age : 51Location : Carolinas - Work in one live in the other.Registration date : 2018-01-22

Subject: Re: Picking a Pipe Shape Wed Jan 31, 2018 9:58 pm

Oddly it was waiting for me when I got home and of course I'm smoking it now with some Golden Cavendish that NavyFlake gifted me. So far it's the best smoking pipe I have in my modest collection. It's a two dot instead of a four dot but its beautiful and is smoking great. I'll post a pic when I stop slobbering all over it.

Hi Wij. All of the types of choices you've listed are valid . . . also, any combination of them. I suggest you look at pipes for a while without buying. My guess is that you'll find yourself looking at one shape or brand or whatever more than others. Your preferences will form in your mind. Then, you'll been more focused in your selecting a pipe. I remember going to my first pipe show. I went nuts wanting to buy everything I saw. I'm more relaxed about it now.